16. Chap 12.1, 12.2 Antibacterials

What are common anti-infectious agents? (3)

Antibacterials

Antivirals

Antifungals

What is the common goal of anti-infectious agents? Define that term

Selective toxicity: Drug kills pathogen, not human cells

What are bacteria? How are they typically named?

Single cell microorganisms

Named via Genus Species

How are bacteria different from human cells? (3 ways)

Rigid cell membranes

Different ribosomes

Different nucleic acid metabolism

What are the mechanisms of action for different types of antibacterials? (3 different ones)

Inhibit cell wall synthesis and function

Inhibit protein synthesis

Inhibit DNA/RNA synthesis and function

Define peptidoglycans

Structural support within the cell membranes of bacteria that make it stronger

How do some antibacterials affect the cell membrane of bacteria?

They can inhibit peptidoglycan formation or create a hole in the lipid bilayer of the cell

What are some antibacterial drugs that target the cell membranes of bacteria? (5)

Penicillin

Cephalosporin

Vancomycin

Polymixin B

Colistin

How do some antibacterials inhibit protein synthesis in bacteria?

Agents bind to the bacterial ribosomes and inhibit protein synthesis

What are some common antibacterials that inhibit protein synthesis in bacteria? (3)

Tetracyclines

Erythromycin

Aminoglycosides

How do some antibacterials inhibit DNA or RNA of bacteria? (2 ways)

Either inhibit folic acid production of directly inhibit bacterial DNA/RNA synthesis or function

What are some common antibacterials that inhibit bacterial DNA/RNA? (5)

Sulfonamides

Fluoroquinolones

Trimethoprim

Metronidazole

Rifampin

Are antibacterial drugs typically bactericidal (killers) or bacteriostatic (slow down)?

Typically bacteriostatic

What are the types of spectrum of antibacterials that we can use? (2)

Broad spectrum

Narrow spectrum

Define bacterial resistance

When a strain of bacteria become resistant to drug therapy, they cannot be killed with typical drugs

What are some typical resistant bacterial strains? (4)

VRSA

MRSA

VRE

PRSP

What are the common mutations that give bacteria the ability to resist antibacterial drugs? (5)

They develop drug-destroying enzymes

Alter or mask drug binding sites

Change enzymes targeted by drugs

Decrease drug penetration

Develop drug efflux pumps

What are some strategies to prevent bacterial resistance? (2)

Avoid overuse of antibacterials, esp broad spectrum

Use narrow spectrum whenever possible

How can PTs decrease antibacterial resistance? (3)

Handwashing and universal precautions

Sterilize equipment

Pt and family education: Avoid exposure, take all meds, dispose of old meds

What are some of the potential negative side effects of using antibacterials? (5)

Headache or GI distress

Allergic reactions

UV sensitivity

Ototoxicity

Tendinopathy

What antibacterial drug increases the risk of tendon damage in large, WB tendons?

Fluoroquinolone

Within what time frame do pts on fluoroquinolone develop tendon problems?

Typically within 1 month